5 Written Reviews

I adore RiRi Woo's pigment; it's the perfect matte red color. RiRi Woo is very drying, however. Throughout the day, I need to reapply it multiple times also, but RiRi Woo is such a beautiful color; it's definitely worth it.

I don't have Ruby Woo but I am really starting to love matte lippies so when this restocked, I ordered it. I don't find it overly drying, even for a matte ( I use Chanel Rouge Allure Velvets, Rimmel London Kate mattes and Lime Crime Velvetines for comparison ) but I practice a pretty intensive regular lipcare routine to exfoliate, treat fine lines, hydrate, etc. I think that's the secret to successfully wear both mattes and the pale colors that show every little imperfection. Since it's well pigmented, I can get away with a little overdrawing so I'll likely use a lip brush for precision but even a quick application from the tube left a nice, clean edge. There are several color dupes for Ruby Woo but this one is as much about the formula and performance. I think it's worth splurging on if you normally buy drugstore formulas, and it's a smart all-season deep cool red to add to a higher end collection and won't underperform next to luxury brands.

This was an impulse buy for me, I got a text on my phone from MAC saying it was available and just snatched it up. I'm glad I did. I don't own Ruby Woo so I can't do a comparison, but I do love this color. It's a nice, cool tone red that would work well on a lot of skin tones. I'm not sure if it's the finishing powder that I use or the lipstick itself, but it's very long lasting. The only reason I give it 4.5 starts instead of a perfect 5 is because of the texture. It is very dry so I always wear a lip primer with it (Mac Lip Prime) so it goes on better and doesn't feel so dry on my lips. Other then that I love the stuff.

I am NOT a RiRi fan, but I am a fan of red lipsticks. I went with this one because I don't have Ruby Woo (although I have worn it when borrowed from a friend). For one, I think it is NOT a perfect dupe for Ruby Woo, but it isn't a major difference in the color. It is slightly darker and bluer but nothing major. It does however seem to feel a bit more comfortable on the lips and is less drying that Ruby Woo. It isn't very forgiving if you have dry/chapped lips so you definitely need to prep your lips first if you have any flakiness that you need to take care of.
When applying for the first time I noticed a lot more tugging on the lips than I am used to, but subsequent applications have been much better. As I mentioned, I expected it to be extremely drying like Ruby Woo was but to my surprise it really wasn't. It's definitely not hydrating either though. If wearing a matte is just too much for you then you can apply a little lip balm on top and rub your lips together. This will change the texture but the color remains on the lips. Just something to consider if you love the color but not the feel of matte (or retro matte in this case).
If you aren't a RiRi fan, you don't have a love of all lip products that are red, and/or you already own Ruby Woo then you can skip this one with no regrets.

I obviously bought this lipstick because I love Rihanna! Aside from that, I'm completely in love with the color and finish. There is something very classic and sexy about the effect. I've never worn red lipstick, but this is a very positive step into that direction. If you're looking for something super moisturizing, this isn't the lipstick for you. If you love the look Rihanna has made her signature, cop RiRiWoo when it rereleases in the fall.